SCRŪPŬLUM, or more properly Scripulum or Scriplum (γράμμα), the smallest denomination of weight among the Romans. It was the 24th part of the [Uncia], or the 288th of the [Libra], and therefore = 18·06 grains English, which is about the average weight of the scrupular aurei still in existence. [[Aurum].] As a square measure, it was the smallest division of the jugerum, which contained 288 scrupula. [[Jugerum].]
SCŪTUM (θυρεός), the Roman shield worn by the heavy-armed infantry, instead of being round, like the Greek [Clipeus], was adapted to the form of the human body, by being made either oval or of the shape of a door, (θύρα), which it also resembled in being made of wood or wicker-work, and from which consequently its Greek name was derived. Polybius says that the dimensions of the scutum were 4 feet by 2½.
Scuta, shields. (Bartoli, Arcus Triumph.)
SCỸTĂLĒ (σκυτάλη) is the name applied to a secret mode of writing, by which the Spartan ephors communicated with their kings and generals when abroad. When a king or general left Sparta, the ephors gave to him a staff of a definite length and thickness, and retained for themselves another of precisely the same size. When they had any communications to make to him, they cut the material upon which they intended to write into the shape of a narrow riband, wound it round their staff, and then wrote upon it the message which they had to send to him. When the strip of writing material was taken from the staff, nothing but single letters appeared, and in this state the strip was sent to the general, who, after having wound it round his staff, was able to read the communication.
SCỸTHAE (Σκύθαι). [[Demosii].]
SĔCESPĬTA, an instrument used by the Roman priests in killing the victims at sacrifices, probably an axe. In the annexed coin, the reverse represents a culter, a simpuvium, and a secespita.
Secespita, Culter, and Simpuvium. (Coin of Sulpicia Gens.)
SECTĬO, the sale of a man’s property by the state (publice). This was done in consequence of a condemnatio, and for the purpose of repayment to the state of such sums of money as the condemned person had improperly appropriated; or in consequence of a proscriptio. Sometimes the things sold were called sectio. Those who bought the property were called sectores. The property was sold sub hasta.